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the Winter 2008
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Upcoming Programs

Saturday, May 10 The Biblical Foundations of Spirituality: Touching a Finger to the Flame 9:00 am - 4:00 pm    $55 / $65 Register by April 18 for early registration savings, includes lunch. Lacy ABC Barbara Bowe, RSCJ In an increasingly diverse society, we find ourselves reexamining long held assumptions. We revisit basic questions like, “What is the meaning of life and how do I live true to that meaning?” For Christians, our basic rootedness comes from the Bible, our sacred text. There is hardly a human emotion or struggle that we face today that does not have a counterpart somewhere within the lives of the covenant community of ancient Israel and in the faith of the first generation of Christian believers as explored in the Bible. Barbara Bowe, a CTU professor of Biblical Studies, is known for her gift of linking scriptural insights with lives lived today. In a style both learned and engaging, she will show how a contemporary spirituality can be grounded in the scriptures while maintaining unity in the midst of diversity. Click here for a preview of Barbara Bowe’s Biblical Foundations of Spirituality: Touching a Finger to the Flame. View a PDF of the flyer for this program.

Friday, May 30 Characteristics of Balanced Caring: Burnout and the Cost of Not Caring 9:00 am - 3:30 pm     Early registration by 04/04/08 is $75; $90 thereafter if seats are available. Includes lunch. Lacy ABC Dominic Vachon, M.Div, Ph.D. In this workshop, Dr. Vachon will present a model of the psychological and spiritual characteristics of balanced caring. He will debunk over-sentimentalized notions of caring that we and others place on ourselves, and explore how these misconceptions can lead to ineffective caring. In their place he will provide a more accurate understanding of caring and offer more realistic and effective ways of understanding and living our roles as professional caregivers.     The psychology of balanced caring will be explored by looking at behaviors and attitudes that bring more fulfillment to the work of caring. We will hear case studies that illustrate some of the many dysfunctional helping dynamics that we witness. Dr. Vachon does this in an insightful and humorous way. Participants go away from the day feeling more aware of what they need to do to be balanced in their caring, but they also feel more energized and inspired with this new perspective.     Developing a spirituality or philosophy of caring is the foundation for maintaining balance in caring. It helps us grow in compassion, and protects us from the burnout that seems to lurk so close to lives of caring. This day will include both presentations and time for small and large group discussions to explore the psycho-spiritual foundations for being a balanced caring helper, and to identify our own growing edges in responding to the stress involved in helping others.     The workshop is designed especially for helping professionals of all types including medical professions, mental health, ministry, business management, leadership roles, law, public safety, and so on. If what you do contributes to helping others, and if a sense of caring is important to you in this, then you will benefit from this workshop regardless of what your work is. View a PDF of the flyer for this program.

Saturday, June 7 Reconnecting: Adults and Nature Deficit Disorder 9:00 am - 12:30 pm    $20 Eco-Spirituality Center Ginny Jones, CSJ Learn simple techniques to deepen your connection with nature. Experience the beauty of spring and celebrate the rebirth of new life in nature and in our spirits. Come prepared for an outdoor nature walk and bring writing materials.

Friday, June 13 through Sunday, June 15 The Heart of Contemplation Begins Friday at 7:00 pm and continues through 1:30 pm Sunday $225 / $250 Register by May 16 for a $25 discount on registration. Registration closes on the earlier of June 2 or when the class fills. Includes private room, Friday snack, and meals Saturday through Sunday’s large midday meal. To reserve, send a non-refundable $75 deposit; limited spaces available. Lacy ABC David Frenette     Centering Prayer opens us to the gift of seeing God in our daily lives and relationships. This retreat explores the interior attitudes, practices and skills that foster contemplative living from the heart, in our ordinary lives. Rooted in Father Thomas Keating’s teachings on contemplative transformation in Christ, this retreat also goes into new territory designed for those whose practice has created a yearning for something more, something deeper. The weekend includes Centering Prayer, presentations, experiential exercises, times of silence and discussion.     David Frenette is a long time student of Father Thomas Keating the Trappist monk and animator of Centering Prayer. David has worked with Contemplative Outreach for 24 years. He co-founded and taught at a Centering Prayer retreat community for 10 years, and is now an adjunct faculty member at Naropa University, and is a spiritual director and counseling psychologist. David’s work teaches Centering Prayer as a path for integrating the divine life of God with our human life, and is described on the website: www.incarnationalcontemplation.com. Click here to view an interview with David Frenette on the Path and Incarnational Centering Prayer www.incarnationalcontemplation.com/main/Path_Videos.html. View a PDF of the flyer for this program.

Saturday, July 19 Watercolor: The Free Flow of Letting Go Continues 9:00 am - 3:30 pm    $75 To allow each student time with the instructor, class size is limited to 14 people. Registration closes when program is full or on July 11, whichever is sooner. Workshop includes lunch and all art materials, register early, class size is limited. O'Brien AB Frankie Dutil, CSJ Spiritual traditions tell us that the deeper beauty of life begins to emerge when we stop grasping and struggling for control. Painting with watercolors can be a metaphor for the spiritual journey, for this medium defies precise control yet yields wonderful results. You need not have experience with watercolor to enjoy this workshop, in fact this is intended for beginners. We will learn basic techniques, so those who have wanted to try watercolor but have held back - come, and let go!

Friday, August 15 through Sunday, August 17 Living From Within: A Four-Weekend Journey Toward an Undivided Life Begins Friday at 7:00 pm and continues through 1:30 pm Sunday Pricing per Weekend: $290 Register thru 11/29/07: $290 / $260 deposit ($65 credit per weekend) O'Brien AB Marianne Novak Houston Registration is closed - see 2008/2009 dates posted on the Parker Palmer page. The more passionate we are about our work, the more vital it is that we take time to renew our own spirits – to reconnect with the wellsprings of our service to others. In these retreats we will focus on the rejoining of soul and role, of reconnecting who we are with what we do. The focus is neither on techniques nor skills required in our work, but on renewing the inner lives of the participants. Using solitary, small and large group formats, poetry, archetypal and personal stories, we will address basic life questions which, though they are personal and private, are often deeply instructive when shared in a “circle of trust.” This series is open to those interested in participating in four seasonal retreats in which a “courage community” will form. In this environment of trust the deep work of soul is given voice. This is the approach which has proven transformational for numerous circles Marianne has led throughout the U.S., Australia, Canada, and Asia. You will have a private guest room and bath, meals, snacks, spacious grounds to walk, and precious time to “be”. Bring a journal and clothing appropriate for being outdoors. Check in between 5:30 and 6:30 p.m. on the first day of each retreat. Autumn: 7:00 p.m. Friday, Nov. 30, 2007 to 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 2, 2007 Winter: 7:00 p.m. Friday, Feb. 22, 2008 to 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 24, 2008 Spring: 7:00 p.m. Friday, Apr. 11, 2008 to 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, Apr. 13, 2008 Summer: 7:00 p.m. Friday, Aug. 15, 2008 to 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 17, 2008 Marianne Novak Houston was among a small group who worked closely with Parker Palmer for 12 years to develop the nationally recognized Courage to Teach and Courage to Lead formational programs. Marianne is currently a facilitator and consultant with the Center for Courage and Renewal in Seattle, Washington. View a PDF of the brochure for this program. View a PDF of the brochure for next year's program.

Saturday, October 4 Embracing Others with Knitted Prayer Part 2 9:00 am - 1:00 pm    $38.00 (price includes yarn and a mid morning snack) Register Early, this program fills fast! Lacy ABC Elizabeth Tompkins Psalm 90:17 Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us and confirm for us the work of our hands; yes, confirm the work of our hands. (NASB) For centuries, people have been knitting and giving shawls to others as symbols of love, solace and healing. As in other acts of generosity, they often find that they receive more than they give but there is another dimension of knitting that people have rediscovered. The cadence of knitting is one that lends itself to prayer, and can transport the knitter to a deep, interior place. This morning will be spent introducing both the art and the prayer of knitting. No previous knitting experience is required. The workshop will be led by Elizabeth Tompkins, a Spiritual Director, Retreat and Labyrinth Facilitator, and one who has created over 50 beautiful prayer shawls. Bring your own needles (9" long, US size 11,13 or 15 - please do not bring circular needles). Yarn will be provided.

Friday, October 24 through Sunday, October 26 2008/2009 Living From Within: A Four-Weekend Journey Toward an Undivided Life Begins Friday at 12:00 pm and continues through 12:00 pm Sunday Pricing per Weekend: $295 or $325 Register thru 9/26/08: $295 / $240 deposit ($60 credit per weekend) Register 9/27/08 thru 10/23/08: $325 / $360 deposit ($90 credit per weekend). The non-refundable depositt is due upon registration. A balance of $235 is due on arrival each weekend. O'Brien AB Marianne Novak Houston The more passionate we are about our work, the more vital it is that we take time to renew our own spirits – to reconnect with the wellsprings of our service to others. In these retreats we will focus on the rejoining of soul and role, of reconnecting who we are with what we do. The focus is neither on techniques nor skills required in our work, but on renewing the inner lives of the participants. Using solitary, small and large group formats, poetry, archetypal and personal stories, we will address basic life questions which, though they are personal and private, are often deeply instructive when shared in a “circle of trust.” This series is open to those interested in participating in four seasonal retreats in which a “courage community” will form. In this environment of trust the deep work of soul is given voice. This is the approach which has proven transformational for numerous circles Marianne has led throughout the U.S., Australia, Canada, and Asia. You will have a private guest room and bath, meals, snacks, spacious grounds to walk, and precious time to “be”. Bring a journal and clothing appropriate for being outdoors. Check in between 5:30 and 6:30 p.m. on the first day of each retreat. Autumn: 7:00 p.m. Friday, Oct. 24, 2008 to 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 26, 2008 Winter: 7:00 p.m. Friday, Jan. 16, 2009 to 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 18, 2009 Spring: 7:00 p.m. Friday, Apr. 24, 2009 to 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, Apr. 26, 2009 Summer: 7:00 p.m. Friday, Jun. 21, 2009 to 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, Jun. 23, 2009 Marianne Novak Houston was among a small group who worked closely with Parker Palmer for 12 years to develop the nationally recognized Courage to Teach and Courage to Lead formational programs. Marianne is currently a facilitator and consultant with the Center for Courage and Renewal in Seattle, Washington. View a PDF of the brochure for this program. Please register by October 23.